An in-vitro system was devised to study the performance of newly developed annuloplasty rings as well as various conventional rings. The Duran Flexible Annuloplasty Ring was tested to define its characteristics and to validate the system for comparative testing. It was possible to obtain quantitative data using a microscope and a load cell to respectively measure valve orifice area and tensile load on the valve annulus. The results suggest that this apparatus could be employed to characterize the features and functional performance of other types of annuloplasty ring.
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